A French Tour for Fashion and Food Lovers

Attention, Francophiles: Travcoa has created an experiential tour of France catering especially to foodies and fashionistas. Available to just 14 guests, the 12-day France Tour d’Élégance Invitational Journey, which takes place from June 22 to July 4, was designed to engage visitors in the best of French culture and history. The itinerary visits the country’s major regions—Paris, Reims, Champagne, and Provence—through a host of exclusive fashion, art, and culinary experiences. The cost is about $26,000 per person.

Special visits and behind-the-scenes access include a private shopping excursion at the Dior Haute Couture workshop; a ballet at Paris’ Opéra Garnier; a tour of the Chaumet Museum to see tiaras worn by French queens dating from the 18th century; and a visit to the private salon where Frédéric Chopin composed and performed royal recitals.

Foodies will relish meals at some of France’s most renowned restaurants, including l’Atelier Etoile de Joël Robuchon, Pierre Gagnaire, and Apicius, which is set inside a historic Parisian mansion. Unique experiences will include a cooking class at Paris’ Alain Ducasse Cooking School and a private class with Michelin-starred chef Philippe Lechat in Lyon. In Champagne, guests will have a pairing dinner inside the cellar at the House of Ruinart; they will travel to Reims to see the 800-year-old cathedral where the kings of France are crowned; and in Provence they will have olive oil tastings and visit the landscape depicted in Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers. After nearly two weeks immersed in French culture, visitors on this unique tour will certainly leave with a certain je ne sais quoi.. . (800.992.2003, www.travcoa.com)